[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 156 (Thursday, September 28, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S6208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



          Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Recovery Effort

  Mr. President, a few minutes ago, the Senator from Connecticut made a 
speech about the natural disaster and humanitarian disaster unfolding 
in Puerto Rico. He urged the executive branch and, in particular, FEMA, 
the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense to 
move quicker to enable the Congress to do our oversight 
responsibilities.
  Director Long at FEMA today made clear to a number of us on a 
conference call briefing that there are constraints into and out of the 
airport at San Juan. There are all sorts of legitimate arguments he has 
made. At the same time, it is absolutely imperative for the American 
people and for the disaster unfolding in Puerto Rico that the Congress, 
in general, and the Senate, in particular, be able to do our oversight 
work.
  I would like to associate myself with the comments of the Senator 
from Connecticut.
  Thank you.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Ohio.
  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I appreciate the comments of my colleague 
from Nebraska, and our hearts go out to those victims of the hurricane 
now in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, following the terrible 
devastation in Texas and Florida. These are American citizens who 
deserve our assistance and urgent help.
  I am glad to hear there is now more support mobilizing on the island. 
I would like to associate myself with the comments of those who talk 
about the need to move quickly to save lives.